WIRELESS NEWS

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 19150, 5 November 1927, Page 13

WIRELESS NEWS

An English amateur in a letter to a radio publication gives as one of the reasons for poorer reception in summer than in winter the fact that trees have leaves in the warm weather which absorb or screen the radio impulses. If aerials are led among branches of a tree this is more readily noticeable, he says, and adds that reception may stop immediately if leaves touch a bare aerial wire.

A voca! quartet at 3YA is to be a regujar feature in Thursday programmes. The quartet comprises Misses Frances Hamerton (soprano), Belle Kenaut (contralto), Mr Russell Sumner (tenor), and Mr Fred Penfold (baritone). Thursday concerts will be of a fairly classical but Varied nature, with quartets, trios, duets, and solos.

The Italian wireless operator who absentmindedly makes use of the words ''buzzer," "set,"' "choke," "standard." and '.'tuning,' is likely to suffer for his carelessness in the light of an edict just issued by Sighor Mussolini under his authority as Minister for Marine.

It appears that the words mentioned are frequently employed by Italians, but the Premier insists that their Italian equivalent be used both in speaking and Writing. The move is part of the general plan now under execution for the repression of all foreign words and phrases. * *

In the same way that "sun-spots" are supposed to be accountable for upheavals in various parts of the globe, certain factors of a mechanical, rather than of an electrical, nature operate on the working of valve filaments and interrupt the uniform flow of electrons. Undesirable spurts are set up that not only impair efficiency in reception, but react in a detrimental way upon the life of the filament itself. The cause of "sun-spots" has not been determined by scientists, but the cause _ot "filament spots" is chiefly due to imperfections in manufacture. The only valves that give consistent filament emission throughout the whole course of their normal life are those, manufactured from correctly blended materials of the highest standard.

"Wireless has not only brought endless pleasure to blind people, but has literally chauged their entire outlook. With the headphones at his ears a blind man is equal in all respects to & n.an with sight, the world is open to him. and he can become acquainted with life from every aspect revealed by the microphones." In these terms the National Institute for the Blind (London) draws attention in its annual report to the revolution brought about by broadcasting. The Institute is doing its best to meet the very urgent need for wireless sets for blind people. As a result of appeals 462 instruments and 180 headphones have been received; these gifts and donations from various sources have enabled the Institute to distribute 796 wireless sets and 1040 headphones to.the blind throughout England.

At thcKadio World's Fair in New York many marvels of science are to bo displayed. The smallest voice in the world, that of the atom, will be magnified 20,000,000 times, so that . the human ear may hear it. By means of this hew device the language of flowers, the voices of hitherto silent insects can be clearly heard. The machine is so sensitive that the growing of a rose sounds like thunder. Methods of measuring accurately lengths of one ten-millionth part of an inch will be shown and described. Furnaces will be shown using high-frequency currents which will melt metals, at the same time feeling quite cool when the hand is placed inside. On the other hand this same energy wiir.be used to produce extreme cold, causing mercury to become as hard as iron and flowers as brittle as glass. .

Quite the most interesting radio news is the proposal put forward by the Church of England to erect its own station and use it for purposes connected with the Church, says a writer in an Auckland exchange. The germ of ihis splendid idea has evidently developed and grown since -the broadcast of the Bishop of London. This service is following what is common practice in America, where churches . have established their own stations from the beginning of broadcasting, and is also a recognition that radio has not the effect of keeping people away from the source of the transmission, hut rather attracts to it many who would otherwise not be so attracted. If the proposals come to a definite conclusion, as it is hoped they frill, the locution of the station and its wave length will need to he carefully jrone into. Nothing more detrimental to radio could be imagined by the seriousminded than the reception well mixed of two sermons, and the distraction so caused to anyone trying to follow one address would be sufficient to set back radio into the class of wonderful but rather objectionable features of this wonderful age.

Three thousand British schools are now equipped with wireless. An article in the "Journal of Education" states that the time has eomc for. the British Broadcasting Corporation to arrange an all-day programmo for schools on a separate wave-length, and to use this wave-length for the benefit of more advanced students in various kinds of continuation schools at night. The articles goes on to say: "The poorest agricultural worker can, and apparently docs, afford his crystal set, thus coming into contact with the great world at his fireside. And what of { his children? Are they using the headphones also? And, if so, what do they hoar! Has .their schoolmaster grasped the potentialities of this new instrument, and has he yet installed a valve set and loud f speaker in the village school?"

Station 3LO has commenced its educational programme and is prepared to extend its activities as the demand grows. The community as a whole is not yet prepared to spend on its schools what it spends on its amusements, but with the extensive use that is being made of r;idio as an educational medium will remedy all this and in the future the enthusiastic teacher will count radio as one of his most useful assistants.

! An opportunity was recently given a "Press' man to learn the number of . "listeners-in" using crystal sets and ; J.I.S. 2 stage amplifiers and so get loud-speaker strength. This information ' proved that the large majority of Amplifiers in use have been supplied by J. I. Smail, pioneer radio firm. —6

Notes From Far and Near.

(By Listener.)

BROADCASTING.

TO-DAY'S PROGRAMMES. » 3TA, CHRISTCHURCH. (306 metres.) S a.m.: Breakfast session"; news items; the day's race card; conditions of roads; attractions in Christchurch for tho day; gramophone items. 11.30: Relay description of Canterbury Jockey Club's Cup Meeting at Riccarton; during the intervals between the races Miss Enright, the lady editor o£ the Christchurch "Press" will give n description of the dresses; band items will also be relayed. 3.30 p.m.: Children's session, Uncle Sam. 6.30: Orchestral music. 7.15: News and reports. 7.30: Sporting and racing review. 8: Relay of opening speeches and music from Olympia Motor Show. 8.1 a: Zither banjo solos, Mr Jack Oxley, (a.) "Merriment," (b) "When tho Red, Rod Robin Comes a bob, bob, bobbin' a tons (Woods). 8.21: Baritone solo, Mr A. E. Lowell, "Shepherd of the Hills" (Nicholls). 8.25: Instrumental trios, Chnstchurcii Broadcasting Trio, (a) "Ecstasy" (.lianiic), (b) "Rusßian Mazurka" (Glinka). °->' : "Meandcrings of Monty," Mr J. J. Fiowellyn, (a) "The Near East and All That bort of Thing," (b) "The Empire Spirit." 8.4o: A few moments at the piano, Mr Ivan Perrin, (a) "Prelude" (Pocholskl), (b) Musical Jig Saw." 8.55: Tenor solo, Mr Gregory Russell, "Glorious Devon" (German). 8.59: Highland Warpipcs, Mr Angus Macintosh, "Athol Highlanders." 9.3: Relay of orchestral music from Liberty Theatre 9.15 - - Baritone solos, Mr A. E. Dowcll, (a) 'The Hvmns of the Old Church Choir' (Solman) ; (b) "The Paradise in Mother's £yes (Sheard). 9.23: Instrumental trios, Christchurch' Broadcasting Trio, (a) 'Cherry Blossom" (Marling), (b) "Polka Characteristiqne" (Beridel). 9.31: Meandenngs of Monty, Mr J. J. Flewellyn, "The Sad Story of Mrs Pabblewick." 9.35: Relay from Olympia Show (orchestral music and description of tho exhibits). 9.45: Further moments at tho piano, Mr Ivan Perrin, extemporising on popular melodies and songs. 10: Tenor nolo, Mr Gregory Rußsell, "Joe the Gipsy" (Bolten). 10.4: Highland warpipes, Mr Angus Macintosh, "Medley of Irish Jigs." 10.8: Zither banjo solo, Mr Jack Oxley, "Mary Lou" (Waggner). 10.15: Relay of dance music by Dixieland Dance Orchestra, under the direction of Mr Les. Marston (by kind permission of Mr J. DickSon). 2YA, WELLINGTON'. (420 metreß.) 3 p.m.: Gramophone recital. 3.30: Sporting results to hand. 3.31: Gramophone recital and relay of Manuel Hyman's Exhibition Band from the Adelphi Cabaret. 4.59: Sporting results to hand. 6: Aunt Jano and Mrs Menard's party, songs, dialogues, recitations, and chat by Aunt Jane. 7: News session and market reports. 8: Chimes of the General - Post Office clock, Wellington. 8.1: Overture. 8.5: Soprano, Miss Ada Rubensohn, "Advice," Oarew (Chappell). 8.9: Elocution. Mrs M. Thomas, "Idyll of Battle Hollow," Bret Harte. 8.13: Instrumental, Symons-Ell-wood-Short Trio. "Allegro, Andantino, Novellten," Gade (Peters). 8.23: Baritone, Mr S. E. Rodger, selected. , 8.27: Locturette, Mr T. K. Sidcy, "The Summer. Time Bill." 8.41: Violin and piano. Miss Ava Symons and Mr Gordon Short, "Sonatine, Dvorak (Simrock). 8.51: Contralto, Miss Reay Wrightson, "The Glory of the Sea, Sanderson (Boosey). 8.55; Elocution (humorous), Mrs M. Thomas, (a) "Baby Ribbons," Johnson; (b) "Kisses," Longstaffo (Reynolds). g.59: Weather report. 8: Lecturette, Sir Truby King, "Infant Welfare"' 9.15: Instrumental. Symons-EU-wood-Short Trio. "Moderato, Larghetto, Finale, Novellten," (Gade) (Peters). 9.25: Soprano, Miss Ada Rubensohn, "A Heart That's Free," Robyn (Allan). 9.29: Lecturette, Miss Phyllis Bates. "A Fox Trot Lesson." 9.40: Relay of Charles Dalton s Columbian Solo Six Dance Orchestra from the Columbian Cabaret, Kilbirnie.

4TA. DUNEDIN. (463 metres.) 7.15 p.m.: News session. .8: Town ■Hall chimes. 8.1: Baritone bolos, Mr A. MeKinnon, (a) "Battle of Stirling," (b) "Standard on the Braes o' Mar." 8.8; Instrumental trios, Messrs W. Wragg (banjo), W. Banwell (banjo-mandolin), and 0. Ruff (piano), (a) "Just a Bird's-Eye View, (b) "Fire." 8.15: Recital, Uv J. \B. McConnell. "A Dog's Life." 8.20: Mezzosoprano solos, Miss Florence Sumner, (a) "Bird of Blue," German, (b) * la ™>' Franz. 8.26: Pianoforte solo. Miss Gertrude Orossley, "Oapprlccio," ScsJ'laVl- - Hawaiian guitar duet, Messrs Sheeny and Campbell, selected. 8.34: Light vocal. Mr Chas. Itowand, (a) "Watch Pol the Del f) (b) "The Mice Have Been at it Again. 8.40: Instrumental trio (as aboyo), selected. 8.45: Address by Mr A. E. Wilson, of- the Government. Tourist Department, ™» l « Resorts in tho South Island." »: ?"'*"£ solos, Mr A, McKinnon, (a) "Bonnie Mary ot Argyle," (b) "The Piper Came to Our Toon." 9.7! Recital, Mr J. B. Meoonn.il, "Jimmy Boots." 9.12: J'» n ° f ° rt ° s°'?: Miss Gertrude Orossley, "Butterfly Etude Chopin. 9.17: MeMO-soprano solos, mibi ssr%S"s.SsS at £« selected. 9.10: Selections by tho instru mental Trio.

ITA, AUCKLAND. (333 metres.) . , . . 3 to' 4.30 p.m.: Afternoon *«si°>>. »«>*X studio items. 7.15: News and aports results. 7*o t0.7.45: Talk on -Oil £«?*'"§„ "Garcoyle." 8: Chimes. 8.1. "°'? y ..?' Municipal organ recital from Town TWI: Mr Maughan Barnett, city organ st. /■'?.L™ t lay of dance music from Dixieland Oo*ar« bv The Internationals, under Mr tiyoe H ' oWleT ' 2FC. SYDNEY. (442 metres.) , 710 r> m • Programme announcements. 7.35 Lin" Smith pianoforte and ««£*«• solos. 7.45: Gwladys Fibster S 7.52: The Confess Band. 8: 'Biz Beni . Laurence Macaulay, baritone 8.4: The Oon are" Band. B.H: Description* from the 5.23: The Consrew Band. 8.32: Note-Tho «r«cehM will be broadcast from the dinner tendered to Mr Amery. nomimon Secretanr, by the Government of ISew South Wale*. ltf« rather forecast. Laurence Macaulav. 0.31 • The Congress Band. MB. Gwladys Firuiater. !>.50: Descriptions from the 'Speed** v Royal. 9.56: Lmn Smith. 10.4: Description* from the Speedway Koyai. tO.in: Laurence Macaulay. .10.18: Dance mueic, intcrsnersed with, musical items, from the studio. 10.67: Late news and announcements. 11: "Bit: Ben"; dance mus,c, interspersed with musical numbers, from me studio until 11.40.

3LO. MELBOURNE. (371 metres. 1 ) 7.15 p.m.: Mr H. E. F. Lampe. Th« Table Clock-Toe First Watch." 7.30: hr E. E. Peecott, "Poison Plant*.' 7.40: Mr R. Rawson. "Esperanto": the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria's safety meesago; Health Association'* message. 8: Pwta City Band. 8.10: The Gwalia Party (Welsh male voice party). 8.17: Prahran City Band. 8.24: J. Alexander Browne, baritone. 5.30: Prahran City Band. 8.35: The Gwalia Party. 8.4-2: A special programme has been arransfd. 10.15: Prahran City-Band. 10.-2S: Put McLean, soubrette. ' 10.32: Late sporting results. 10.45: Pat McLean. 10.50: Joe Aronson and his Synco-Symphonists. 11: Oni Great Thought. 11.1: Joe Aronson and his Synco-Symnhoniets till 11.40-

SUNDAY. 3TA, CHRISTCH.URCH. 3.45 n.m.: Children's ""song service by Unolc Sam, from." 3YA Studio. 7: Relay from Richmond Methodist Church of Sunday School Anniversary evening service; preacher, Rov. Harold Sbnrp: organist, Miss L. Straw; pianist. Miss A. Kearney; choirmaster, Mr L. C. Quane. 8.15: Rebroftdcast of 2YA, Wellington (relay of the Wellington Municipal Tramway Band from His Majesty s Theatre, Wellington).

•2YA, WELLINGTON. C.15 p.m.: Relay of evening ten-ice of the Vivian street Ba-ctist Church; preacher, Rev. F. E. Hnrrv: choirmaster, Mr A. R. Don; organist, Mr C. Collins. S.l'.: Relay of baud concert of the Wellington Municipal Tnmways Band from His Majesty's Thoatr?. 4YA, DUNEDIN. 6.30 p.m.: Relay of service fror.l Methodist Central Mission: preacher. Rev. W. Walker; organist, Mr Chas. A. Martin. 8: Relay from St. Kilda (weather permitting) of concert by the St. Kilda Band, under the conductorship of Mr James Dixon.

IYA, AUCKLAND. 6.53 p.m.: Relay of church ..service from St. Andrew's Church; preacher, Rot. Mr Lamb-Harrer: organist, Dr. Neil McDougall. 8.30: Relay of municipal band concert from Town Hall; bandmaster, Mr Christopher Smith.

SLO, MELBOURNE. 7 p.m.: Service from Pleasant street Methodist Church, Ballarat (65th Anniver«?it); preacher, Rat. W. J. Palamouatain; conductor, Mr A. E. Robinson. From the Studio—3.3o; Joe Aroneon'e Symphony Orchestra. 5.40: Elk Kingston, soprano. 8.47: Joe Arocson's Orchestra. 8.53: Senia Cbostiakoff, Russian tenor (late soloist with tie "Don Cossacks). 9: Carlo Briglia, violin. 0.6: Ella Kingston. 9.13: Joe Aroneon's Orchestra.. P.2S: Senia Chostiakoff. 9.36: Joe Aronsorjs Orchestra. 9.50: NViw; the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria's eafctv message; Health Association/a messaged Our GTeat Thought. CFC, SYDNEV. 6 p.m.: "Big Ben" and programme announcements 6.3: A recital by the pupils of Mr Bennet North 5.20: A talk by Mr p B ?, kson . on 'The Australian Girl." 6.30: Further items from the recital bv pupils of Mr Bennett Korth.' 6.55: Organ voluntary from the Lyceum Hall, Pitt street. Sydney. . :From tho Lyceum Hall, the tLfw- f e «' CB . arran S«* 0? »he Central Methodißt Mission. 8: Speaker, the Right Hon. L. M. S. Amery, Secretary of State for until the close of the service at 8.30 p.m. ? j-' , S m . the studi <>. the Conservatorium Ladies String Quartette—Muriel Buchanan (violin), Dorothy Curran (violin), Florence Forshaw (viola), Rosamoud Cornford ( cello). 8.45: Madame Vera Tasma, soprano. 8.53: Alfred Cunningham, baritone. 9: 'Big Ben"; the Conßervatorium Ladies' String Quartette. 9.10: Jessie Smith, eontralto, from SLO. 9.18: Alfred Cunningham. 9.22: The Conservatorium Ladies' String Quartette. 9.30: Madame Vera Tasma. 9.38: Alfred Cunningham. 9.42; Jessie Smith. 9.50: The Conservatorium Ladies' String Quartette.

Shakespeare and Broadcasting. J I have often discussed the technique of the "broadcast play, which is not just ! a matter of writing dialogue and getj ting people with decent voices to speak it, writes a Melbourne correspondent. It must, in the absence of scenery convey a sense of both place and action in words that must have beauty of sound. In this connexion it is interesting to read in an English journal an appreciation of Shakespeare as the best broadcast dramatist, for the reason that he sets his acerie in his words as he proceeds. Where could one get a finer picture of the setting than in, say, "The Merchant of Venice," with the love scene which begins: "How sweet the moonlight sleeps upon |this bank ." One sees thedreaming garden, the brilliant sky above, "thick-inlaid with patines of fine gold,'' the breath of the warm night breeze is on our cheek, while the immortal lines sooth our ear. What a perfect thing to broadcast, if only SLO Melbourne could get the actors Who would do justice to them! Shakespeare was a lover of Nature, and could never keep out of his action a running commentary setting the stage as he progressed. This care was necessitated by practically the same set of circumstances as make a new technique necessary for radio drama. That is, tho Elizabethan stage possessed no scenery, and no means for describing /to the audience the locale of a drama, save by the crude method of displaying-a placard. The skilful dramatist was forced then, .to make his dialogue do the jol) and fill the omission. It is interesting to find the centuries meeting in this wav.